We were looking into a retreat in St. Croix mid winter Jan-Feb but with all the shootings/violence we're seriously re-considering. It's unfortunate since it's one of the best snorkeling places. What's the real deal and is it worth spending 3-4K for the week to be nervous/concerned? Should we stick to St John or branch out to Turks & Caicos? Any advice is appreciated!

We're heading to STX in December for what I think will be our 14th trip to the island since 2007. Before that we were very STJ-centric - until the building boom on STJ sent us looking for more wide open and less "touristy" spaces and we finally tried STX. Crime is all throughout the USVI - STT has had shootings and murders and STJ has had murders and also armed robberies in villas. Don't be fooled - STT & STJ are far bigger tourism revenue generators for the territory than STX so violence on STT & STJ are going to be soft pedaled unless something so egregious happens that it cannot be spun or covered up. Thus far, on STX, the violence has been gang and domestic related and has not involved visitors. Unfortunately, on STT and STJ this has not been the case.

Are we worried about this upcoming trip? Not really, as we are always aware of our surroundings, although we may change some dining plans to avoid heading cross island from the east end to the west end in the evening.

Having said all of that, though, I believe that perception is reality and, if you are uncomfortable and nervous, you will not have a good vacation so you may want to choose another island. Choose carefully, though, as there are many Caribbean islands that are much, much worse, especially regarding crime against tourists.

We will be on STX for four nights in mid-February, at a resort complex for a business meeting ( ). We have not been on STX for ten years, but I follow the news there as well as on the other VI islands. I agree completely with all that Margy Z said.I hope that your trip will work out to be worry free and wonderful!